Eleebana to Booragul: Lake Macquarie’s best walking and cycling path
The 9-kilometre waterfront stretch between Eleebana to Booragul is one of Lake Mac’s best experiences on foot or by bike, as there’s so much to see and do along the way. Here are some tips on how to make the most of the experience.
Start point: Lions Park, Eleebana
Kick off at Lions Park, where there’s plenty of parking, plus sheltered barbecues and picnic tables if you fancy a casual lunch before you hit the track. Don’t miss the native hibiscus-inspired Beach Blossom sculpture by artist Antone Bruinsma, then keep your eyes peeled for more sculptures as you continue along the track.
Redbluff Boardwalk
Not long after you start walking or cycling in a northerly direction, you’ll come across the 380-metre Redbluff Boardwalk, which juts out over the water. This section of the walk is a beautiful spot to catch the sunset, but is lovely at any time of the day.
Matey’s at the Esplanade
One kilometre in, you might be ready for a pit-stop, so swing in to Matey’s in Warners Bay for a coffee or snack. Look for the refurbed caravan and enjoy friendly service and a stellar view.
Boomerang Bikes
If you set off on foot but decide a set of wheels would be handy to complete the track, visit the Boomerang Bikes hiring station opposite the Warners Bay shops. There’s an easy, on-the-spot payment machine, and you can collect a helmet and bike lock from the Subway and Dippin’ Dots ice creamery across the road. There are a range of bicycles to choose from, including adult unisex bikes (some with child seats) and kids’ bikes.
Warners Bay foreshore
The next section of the track takes you along the relaxed Warners Bay foreshore, where you can wander out onto the jetty for amazing lake views. You’ll find plenty of cafes and restaurants near the waterfront, as well as a playground, barbecues and sheltered picnic tables. If you need a break from walking or cycling, you can have a hit of ping pong (though you’ll have to bring your own balls and paddles).
A number of sculptures are dotted across the landscaped area, including the distinctive pink painted bronze creation called Facsimiles Darwin; The Ascetic, which is reminiscent of a Japanese cartoon character; and Guan Wei’s ‘Sky Pig’, which is intended to bring viewers joy and luck.
Main Road, Speers Point
Need more caffeine? Take a quick detour up Main Road to visit the trendy Mr Sister Coffee or grab a cool drink overlooking the lake at Pippi’s at the Point.
Speers Point Park
Continue on to Speers Point Park, where you’ll find Sal’s by the Lake cafe and a 2-hectare variety playground for the kids, including a 9-metre spiral slide and double flying fox. There are accessible amenities and barbecue areas too, and the sculpture trail continues with the eye-catching 12-metre tall weathervane titled Chimera.
If you time your trip right, you can also visit the Lake Macquarie City Farmers Market or the eco-friendly Homegrown Markets, which champion locally designed and handmade wares. (Plus, many other events are held in the park throughout the year.)
Speers Point dog exercise area
There’s a large fenced dog exercise area complete with agility equipment at the northern end of Speers Point Park, so if you’ve got a furry friend in tow, this is a good stop.
Cockle Creek
As you head towards Booragul, you can enjoy a stunning view across the lake from its most northern tip at Five Islands Bridge. This is where Cockle Creek feeds into the lake and is a well-known fishing spot.
Edwards Park
In Booragul, you’ll hit Edwards Park as you continue around the lake shore. If the kids still have energy to burn, there’s another playground, plus an undercover picnic table to enjoy a snack.
End point: Museum of Art and Culture Lake Macquarie
The final stop on the trail is the award-winning Museum of Art and Culture (MAC), positioned on a spacious 5-hectare plot, right by the lake. The gallery underwent a $2.3 million transformation in 2019, including rebranding and an expansion of the exhibition space, plus the introduction of a dedicated Aboriginal program and space called yapang. The gallery grounds include a sculpture park and cafe, and you can admire beautiful views of Marmong Point Marina.
If you want to continue your lakeside experience, join a scenic trip with Lake Macquarie Cruises from the Booragul public wharf. Depending on the time of day, you can loop the lake, or stay on board for lunch or dinner.
For more ideas on where to go and what else to see and do in Lake Macquarie on your summer roadtrip, call the friendly team at Lake Macquarie Visitor Information Centre on 1800 802 044. We can send you a Visitor Guide and Map for free, or view online here.